What is it about?
In this paper, the basic physics, problem formulations, and numerical approaches for such multiphysics analysis are thoroughly reviewed. Limitations of the existing problem formulations and numerical approaches are extensively discussed. Possible solutions to overcome those limitations and future directions on improving the fidelity and accuracy of such predictive analysis are also provided. In addition, part of the material properties that are required for these analyses, such as the temperature-dependent thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of the composite lamina, the fracture properties of the interface resin, and the dielectric breakdown strength of the composite laminate are collected from various sources and are provided in this paper.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
Although lightning strike protections such as the air terminal unit or the conductive film and coating are commonly applied, survey studies reported that these structures still experience both cosmetic and significant damages. Lightning strike damage can often be visually inspected. However, some of the internal damage after lightning strikes may be unable to be detected through visual inspection and might affect the structure performance and reduce fatigue life. The repair of the lightning strike damage is usually expensive and may result in a significant amount of service downtime. To reduce the repair cost and mitigate lightning strike hazards, accurate predictive analysis needs to be developed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the composite material response to lightning strikes.
Perspectives
Significant advances have been achieved in the thermal and damage modeling of the laminated composites subjected to lightning strikes. However, further justification and validation against experimental data are needed to prove the validity of the models. Currently, arbitrary assumptions have been made to extrapolate the electrical and thermal properties from room temperature to high temperatures in the models. The capability of these models to account for the effects of the resin decomposition and the liberation of the pyrolysis gases has not been adequately addressed. Moreover, these models do not consider the effects of the lightning-strike-induced delamination and ablation on the temperature predictions. Challenges for the development of an improved thermal model include the accurate determination of the temperature-dependent thermophysical properties and the mass loss rate of the composite materials under lightning strike conditions, as well as the proper treatment for material phase transitions during the numerical implementation. It is worth mentioning that one of the biggest challenges for an accurate lightning strike analysis is the lack of confidence in the temperature-dependent material properties. These uncertain model inputs will necessarily result in uncertain predictions. An alternative investigation approach could be to predict the stochastic response by quantifying the uncertainties within those material properties.
Dr Yeqing Wang
Syracuse University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Multiphysics analysis of lightning strike damage in laminated carbon/glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite materials: A review of problem formulation and computational modeling, Composites Part A Applied Science and Manufacturing, October 2017, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2017.07.010.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
